"Long recognized as a laggard on climate, Australia does little to burnish its image with a meek plan to reduce emissions."

"Australia on Monday submitted a modest emissions-reduction pledge to the United Nations negotiating body on climate change.  It was met by a disparaging chorus of critics who said it did not shoulder a fair load in the world’s struggle to keep global warming within safe limits.

Australia, a leading producer of coal with an unusually high per-capita output of carbon dioxide, has been viewed as a laggard in the climate fight for decades, especially since its government reversed course and abandoned a tax on carbon last year.

It now says it will reduce emissions 26 to 28 percent below the levels of 2005 by 2030, a rate of reduction that is less than promised by most leading industrial nations."

John H. Cushman Jr. reports for InsideClimate News August 11, 2015. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Australia Carbon Plan Sends Shudder Through Neighbours" (BBC News) [3]

"Rich Nations' Climate Plans Fall Short of Hopes for Paris Summit" (Reuters) [4]

"Abbott Government's 'political' Climate Target Fails Three Key Tests" (The Age) [5]